The engine ignition system should be completely separate from any generator
system they'd use to power the electric clutch. Most small engines use a
magneto ignition system that relies on magnets in the flywheel to move past
a coil to generate the spark voltage. Sometimes they will add a large coil
of wire around the flywheel and let the same magnets generate auxiliary
power to charge a battery or run headlights and the like.

If you have a voltmeter available, can you put it across the battery and
check the voltage with the engine running at a high idle, so it's charging
the battery. You should get 13-15 volts DC there. Then engage the clutch and
see what happens. If all is well, the voltage should remain there. If not,
then it's time to do more snooping.

Bob
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"Daryl Helwig" wrote in message
m...
This is an addition to a reply that I posted a few minutes ago.

I just started the engine with a spark tester attached from the plug
wire to the plug. When running the spark looks very weak and when I
trun on the mower switch the spark disappears and the engine dies.
Hmmmmm. What does this point to?




"CBHvac" wrote in message
...
Black smoke is a fuel issue, running too rich,